I am optimistic that we should be able to use that framework to move forward with legislation that cannot only pass this Committee but can pass the U.S. Senate and House, to be signed by President Obama.

When nations want to take on leadership responsibility within regional organizations, they need to be a model in using that to advance the goals of those regional organizations.

But we have seen some signs of progress. Certainly I could get into human rights, which is one of my favorite subjects, and there are certain deficiencies there that are pretty fundamental that have to be dealt with.

The motivating factor for this is South Korea. They are the ones pushing it hard.

I believe the United States ought to focus significantly on the fundamentals of good governance.

I think it would be helpful if you could perhaps give us help as to what should be on our wish list as they manage the resources of their country, things that we should try to promote, which might be useful.

I think having a Senate hearing on this topic would be magnificent and would open up not only the crisis, but also the options that are in front of us.

It is all about the economics, and the U.S. market is an important tool that we have.

It is all about her generation.

I think they recognize they have a political problem as well as a real problem from the point of view of the health of their people.

Well, in some cases just the presence of the dam itself is going to create a major challenge on these issues.

We expect to see whether that can be done, either formally or informally.

A commitment to your environment is compatible with economic growth.

It is a complicated group. When you are in each country they have different priorities, but I think they share a lot in common.

When I was in Korea we talked about the problems of North Korea beyond just the nuclear risk factors.

As President Obama noted in his recent climate action plan, we have a moral obligation to leave our children a healthier planet.

This is a tremendously important topic.

Helping the East Asia-Pacific region address environmental challenges is essential for preventing future conflicts and instability.